Growing a user base for a specific kind of forum

[MThornback]

Hey all,

I've been scratching my head about this with moderate success....I have a board of about 200 odd members right now...but i'd like to expand the ranks somewhat so to speak. The problem is that my forum is geared to the military/ROTC/cadets which isn't necessarily a huge draw for traffic unless your a buff on it....

Is there anything you think I could do differently than just work of mouth campaigns? Banner Exchanges aren't too effective at this point, because our member base is too low for it to be useful to others...caught between a rock and a hard place :p

Any Thoughts welcome :cross-eye

I'll do some thinking I have no idea for now, but I'll give you some hints later.

[MetalPrincess]

My board is very specific as well. What I've done to get more members is go on other boards that are kinda close to what mine is like and post on there about my board after I read the rules and make sure its ok to post links and stuff there. A good way to advertise your board is to put it in your signature as a link on all the boards you belong to (if you belong to more than just yours). Also I'm sure you have probably done this but submit your board to search engines. There are plenty of free submissions out there as well as paid ones. Just be specific about your keywords and make sure they are posted in your forums a few times.

hope this is what you were asking if not, just ignore me and I'll go back to sleep LOL.

MP

[gio~logist]

There are various sites that offer something called "Targeted Traffic", if that's what you're looking for ;)

[MThornback]

Well basically...I'm envious of all these sites I visit (like alot of the ones people here run :p) that have umpteen hundred members and more visitors per day than I have members....I have delusions of making my site reasonably as big given my audience :p

I'll add the site to my sig....its a good idea


I've posted links on a few sites, and gotten a few new users from them...but nothing really big. I realize it takes time...but 3-4 people from each site is just not good feedback in my book :p


Tell me more about "Targeted Traffic" you peaked my interest :p

[Nick R]

Targeted trafffic is a waste of badidth if you don't get it from the right place.

[MetalPrincess]

I've never used "Targeted Traffic" Actually really hadn't thought about it much or knew much about it. What is your site URL and maybe I can help and make some suggestions as to how to get members there and how to keep them interested.


MP

[Edder]

Try Myspace. Join some groups related to your niche, get to know the members, and then try recruiting them.

[Nick R]

Never really like my space....

[MetalPrincess]

Originally Posted by rogersnm

Never really like my space....

Yeah the feeling I got from my space was it was a pick up place not a serious place to advertise your site. It may have changed in some way since I last looked at it, but I doubt it.


MP